Facing mounting outrage from Boston-area Catholics and clergy over the priest sexual abuse crisis, Cardinal Bernard Law announced today that he would resign as head of the Boston Archdiocese after 18 years in the post. Share your thoughts on the cardinal's resignation and his career in Boston. How will he be remembered? What effect will his departure have? And what comes next for the archdiocese?

It's all about the money. The victims who have suffered somehow believe that the only way they can be healed is by a payout.

Rob

It's good that he's resigned, but the problem is not just about him. As a catholic, AND a victim, the entire sytem needs an overhaul. I'm happy to be a catholic, but this is a wake up call for my church to get with the times.

CR, Boston

The resignation is essentially immaterial. The systemmic problem remains in place. That is, this and many similar situations were allowed to fester for decades around numerous diocese across the country. Is Cardinal Law the sacrificial lamb? What governing changes are being put in place to stem this abuse of pastoral office? It is not that some priests were allowed to transfer and permit them to continue. It is the whole mind-set of sacrificing individuals to the "image" that is presented to the public. The roots of the problem go quite deep. The entire body of Christians, Roman Catholic and all others, are tainted by this as much as they were by the gross impropriaties of Jimmy Bakker, Jimmy Swaggert, et al, a few years ago. The entire body of Christians are tainted by the wild ragings of a Jerry Falwell. When one sect of the Christian faith offends, such as now with the Roman Catholic Church, all receive the pain.

Armin, Venice

This is a sad day for everyone, especially the victims. People can resign and go to jail, but the victim's pain will stay with them for the rest of their lives. I'm sure the Boston Globe is sad too, now that they can't make money off of books and newspapers that exploit the victims even further.

Michelle, Medfield

Re: Gail If you are a divorced Catholic you ARE able to receive communion. If you have been told otherwise, you have been misinformed. It is only if you have remarried without having your first marriage annulled by the church that the sacrament of communion is withheld. Check it out.

fayth, Boston

Virg - if you don't want to be catholic, then don't be, but it is extremely uncharitable and presumptious of you to say something like that. not all catholics are pedophiles. in fact, the percentage is really small, but the acts so horrible and so disgusting that it sullies the whole faith. please don't disrespect that in which others believe. it is small-minded and hurtful.

new catholic, Boston

I think it's a shame that Cardinal Law was forced to resign. I do not hold him personely responiable for what his suboniates have done. I do feel he made grave errors in his handling of some of these sick men but he is only human. It seems that some preist were let go for this behavior but some were not, I guess they had more influence and somehow were able to convience people that either that hadn't done it or were cured from future offenes. Cardinal Law has done a lot of good in the Boston area and that is being overlooked. I think people need to remember that he did not engage in this behavior himself. I think the Cardinal is a good man and I hope that he can continue his good work else where

Patricia, Randolph

The Cardinal writes, "The particular circumstances of this time suggest a quiet departure." No, the circumstances suggest a public departure, with the Cardinal being taken off to prison, handcuffed, viewed on TV and the front pages of national newspapers. Only then will all other bishops and high ranking vicar generals finally "get it" and understand that covering up of the rape of children is a crime as well as a henious sin!

John, Springfield, MO

Cardinal Law's resignation, and the Pope's acceptance of it, was the right thing to do on both of their parts. No matter what his accomplishments, the cardinal will always be remembered for how he nourished and fostered abusive priests at the expense of their victims. It is unclear as to what the effects of his departure will be or what really is next for the archdiocese. Much will depend on who is appointed as the next archbishop and who the next Pope will be. Today truly is a day of vindication for those who were most hurt.

Phillip, Fitchburg

Finally! Now maybe the innocent victims in this whole "scandal" will have a little peace. As a side note, I was disgusted by the media coverage this morning when the bishop and spokesperson for the archdiocese were speaking about Bernard Law's pain and anguish. They have no shame.